Life Hacks for Summer

Whether you’re young or just young at heart, there’s something about summer bound to put an extra bounce in your step.  And yet between vacations, beach passes, gas, and all the food that it takes to keep a family going during these warm weather months, it can also be exhausting and expensive. So if you’re looking for ways to save a few pennies and make your summer a little easier and more organized, try these 8 summertime hacks.

1. Before heading out on a road trip, spray the grill of your car with nonstick cooking spray so you can easily wipe off all those bugs that smash into your car as you cruise down the highway.

2. Stuck-together marshmallows putting a damper on your s’mores? Add a teaspoon of cornstarch to the bag and give it a good shake. The cornstarch will absorb some of the moisture in the bag and cause the marshmallows to come apart

3. The only thing more fun than picking your own berries is eating them. But how are you supposed to get those berry stains off your hands? Try washing them with undiluted lemon before washing again with soap and water.

4. Bring out corn on the cob’s freshness and flavor by adding ¼ cup powdered milk to the pot of boiling water before tossing in the corn.

5. Are your suitcases smelling a little stale and musty after your travels? Crumple up a few sheets of newspaper and stuff them into the suitcase for three days to freshen and deodorize.

6. Give your old, cracked leather baseball glove a new lease on life by working olive oil into dry areas and wiping away the excess.

7. A pair of pantyhose makes a perfect cover for a lightning bug jar. Just cut a six inch square of pantyhose, cover the jar opening, and secure with a rubber band. It not only lets in plenty of fresh air for those twinkling bugs, but makes it easier to let them in and out.

8. Banish odor from canvas shoes and sneakers by occasionally sprinkling a little table salt in them.

Here’s another life hack keeper.  Before going away on vacation, think about turning your water main valve to “off”, especially if you have and older water heater or water pipes.  Otherwise, you risk coming home to a watery mess.  Need to keep the water on in your absence?  Then “Plan B” might involve installing a Water Cop valve, one designed to detect a water leak anywhere in your home and shut off your water main automatically.  That’s the kind of added protection you can enjoy 24/7, whether at home or away.